Great pieces of skill in particular, what some may call the finer side of the game of rugby, have in many ways been what has driven this site. This is one such moment, coming to us from a Wallaby legend way back in 2004.

Sure, the big hits and the amazing tries are spectacular, but more often than not, what really does is the delicate pieces of skill that separate the average players from the greats.

It's with this in mind that we've dug out this clip of the multi-talented Wallaby flanker George Smith against the All Blacks in the Tri Nations in 2004.

Those of you who've been able to see Smith play on a regular basis will know that time and time again he pulls off the impossible. If it's not a big hand off and a neat grubber down the line, it's a perfectly timed pass to put a team mate into space.

On this occasion, after Smith's great strength and miracle pass inside the touch judge got it wrong unfortunately, but it's just one example of his fine skill that makes him a delight to watch.

Viewing 18 comments

I'm clearly no Tri-Nations caliber touch judge. But I can clearly see why he would have call that out. Even if he was wrong in the heat of the moment it looked out. Not to say it's a good reason for his screw up, just maybe an explanation. At his level he should have known better. But we're all human (except for Lomu, he's a freak)

I mean the same thing. Clearly the wrong decision. But if I were in his place I would have probably done the same. Oh well, Smith is a tremendous player without a doubt. He was smart enough to hop up in the air and deliver a dead-eye pass. What more could you want? Nothing against Smith, it was the touch judge who messed up. Though given what I imagine he saw, it wasn't due to a lack of skill, just nerves probably.

So the ref was playing the percentages as he was taught. TJs are taught that one trails and one leads the play. Usually, the open sider leader and the weak sider trails.Unfortunate circumstances, as it was a pass we all dream of throwing (and the catcher has nightmares of some Polynesian crushing him on it)

this isn't a perfect 'no-look pass' it's just a random sling back in field. gregan does well to be following up but it's pure luck not great skill. smith seems to be way overrated on this forum. I'd rather have McCaw, Braid or Holah, or Haskell or Rees, or Burger or Williams or basically anyone else. he gives away too many penalties and isn't a good enough ball-carrier or bosch man to compensate

I think that was brilliant rugby. Power skill and timing - shame the touch judge had to call what should of been out but he went for the safe bet. He was the wrong side. I think the pass was amazing with great awarness and momentum ready for a quick recylce. Bummer for the touch judge when he watches that one back. great rugby

touch judge is right....
player and ball are not out if they don't touch the ground OR something/somebody on touching the ground. Smiths foot/lower leg is touching the player on the ground.... He is Out of Play. Class Play all the same :-)

DOH,
Touch judge is STILL right....
player and ball are not out if they don't touch the ground "UNLESS" something/somebody is touching the ground. Smiths foot/lower leg is touching the player on the ground.... He is Out of Play. Class Play all the same :-)ps: corner flag doesn't count anymore :-)